Customer Reviews

The Bluejackets' Manual, United States Navy, 1940, 10th Edition

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In 1940 the United States Navy was an antiquated collection of well-built ships and slow but durable aircraft. These two features were to save countless lives in battle with an at-the-time superior foe ie; the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Never short on guts, the average 1940 Sailor was not prepared for W.W.II but how quickly things change. Five short years later we were the most powerful fleet EVER.

While the 1940 edition of the "BJM" differs greatly from the one I was issued in 1994, the core values of "Honor, Committment & Courage" have never changed. Pride isn't specifically listed but it's there nonetheless.

The "BJM" is a fascinating book for all the practical sailing knowledge it carries. It should be on every yacht owner's bookshelf. Tying knots, heaving lines, rules of the road (sea), etc. Plus it's just plain interesting to read.

The 1940 edition of the Bluejacket Manual is incredible. It contains lots of illustrations, photos, and color plates. There are photos of many of the ships that were lost at Pearl Harbor the year after this manual was published. Illustrations of how to correctly assemble the Infantry Pack show the old WWI style doughboy helmets that were issued at the beginning of WWII. Many areas of basic skills that have been lost to time and modernization are covered, such as sailing, lowering lifeboats, elementary gunnery, and many more. The section on small arms and marksmanship has a great cross section diagram of a Colt .45 automatic. This is also a great reference for militaria collectors because it shows drawings of things like a Very's Signal pistol, Corps devices, and even pay stubs. There are interesting items such as a method of computing a sailor's pay after deductions with a reminder not to forget the .20 cent deduction for the Hospital - what a health insurance plan!

I lost my copy of The Bluejackets Manual many years ago and wanted to replace it. I tried two book stores to no avail. Years went by and I finally tried the internet.(Something that I should have done long ago.) I am tickled pink with my used version of this book. It is in good shape and is the exact edition that I was looking for.

I am very pleased with my used copy, the proper version of the manual that I was so desirous of getting

My husband (an ex Navy man in the early 50's) was just thrilled with this. I ordered it after he said he was sorry he did not keep his.

Thanks so much.